Fyre Festival Promoter Arrested on Criminal Charges, Posts Bail

Billy McFarland was arrested and charged with fraud after the promoter allegedly used fake documents to trick investors. The charges stem from his promotion of the catastrophic Fyre Music Festival which made national headlines after people were stranded with refugee style conditions in the Bahamas. Assistant Federal Defender is representing the 25-year-old in federal court charges that allege he schemed to defraud investors. The event was billed as an ultra-luxurious multi-day festival at a private island in the Bahamas. Those attending the event believed they would be seeing bands like Blink-182 and Migos, but most major acts pulled out before the affair.

Lawsuit after lawsuit began to be filed after concert attendees were given little food or shelter. The disastrous event was made infamous through social media as reports started to pour in regarding the conditions of the concert grounds, accommodations and dining. McFarland was released on $300,000 bail but is facing an uphill court battle with at least 8 lawsuits currently filed and federal fraud charges looming. The failure of the Fyre Festival could make it more difficult for other promoters to insure multi-day concert events. The festivals are known for illicit drug use, underage drinking and excessive behavior. When poorly planned and executed, this could result in harm to concert goers. Attendees of the Fyre Festival complained of theft, aggressive security and horrendous conditions such as being stranded without food and water. The criminal case against McFarland is being heard by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.